Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to a bounce-back season in 2021-22

3. Immediate contributions from the freshmen

While Michigan State has depth at almost every position, the incoming freshman class has a chance to earn itself some significant minutes.

Ranked the No. 12 class in the nation by 247Sports, the class features high-profile guard Max Christie, the bouncy combo guard Jaden Akins, and an athletic forward with a sky-high ceiling in Pierre Brooks II. All three players will see the court in some high-intensity capacity this season.

Christie figures to be “the guy” on this squad this year; the main scorer who gets the crucial bucket when the team needs it. This is a lot to put on a freshman who is learning how to play the game at the collegiate level, but Christie is capable of taking on that role. He has a smooth game and can score at all three levels. Christie has the characteristics of an immediate leader and proves to be a bright spot right away for the Spartans.

Akins is a player who has surprised some people within the coaching staff already, notably Tom Izzo who has said that Akins is already better than he thought he’d be at this point. Akins also already has Spartan fans excited with the videos he posts on his Instagram, throwing down electric dunks and showing off his elite athleticism at the guard position. He can play both point guard and shooting guard, which Izzo will use to his advantage.

Brooks is considered to be a bit of a work in progress, but Izzo could call on him if he needs another player on the wing to produce. Brooks is most likely going to slot in as Gabe Brown’s backup at the small forward position, and might not play a lot, but eventually, he’s going to earn a good share of minutes. He already has the necessary size to play at the wing, and eventually, the skill will come. Spartan fans should be excited about Brooks.

MSU should have plenty of opportunities for the freshmen to earn some minutes, and they might end up needing them pretty badly.